A group of 27 wild boar were rescued after they fell into an abandoned well in Bhagamunda, Odisha, on October 28.

An excavator was used to dig out a path for the sounder of boar who were able to return safely to their natural habitat.

In a unique rescue operation, forest officials in eastern India’s Odisha saved 27 wild boars that had fallen into an abandoned well. The animals, drawn to the farmland in search of food, were trapped in the well overnight, leading locals to demand preventive measures to protect their crops.

The incident took place in Bhagamunda village, located within the Sadar forest range in Keonjhar district on October 28.

Visuals showed a group of small wild boars fell into an abandoned dry well, their tiny bodies struggling to climb out. The walls of the well, covered in loose dirt and debris, made it nearly impossible for them to escape. They huddled together, squealing in distress, their fur caked with mud from the surrounding soil. The dim light filtered down, illuminating their frightened eyes as they thrashed about, desperately seeking a way to reach the safety of solid ground above.

The boars, reportedly drawn by the scent of paddy crops, ended up trapped in the dry, abandoned well. Forest officials promptly responded, deploying a JCB to assist with the rescue operation. Their efforts led to the safe rescue of 27 boars, although one boar sadly died after being trapped in the well.

Locals expressed their concerns about the rising frequency of wild animals entering farmlands, risking crops and causing property damage. "We request the forest department to implement measures that prevent wild animals from encroaching on farmland," a local farmer remarked.

After the successful operation, officials relocated the rescued boars back to a nearby forest to prevent further conflicts between the animals and local villagers. Forest officials also indicated their intent to investigate possible long-term solutions to protect farmland from wildlife incursions.